Article by Markus Zinkl
Gossamer Gear Skala 38 ($225.00)
Introduction
After looking for a new ultralight pack that could handle a dialed-in kit for ultralight backpacking without a lot of fuss, I landed on the Gossamer Gear Skala 38. It’s a frameless, roll-top pack that blends classic UL design with some really clever modern features. After getting it out on the trail, I have some thoughts.
First impressions
Right out of the box, the quality is obvious. The materials feel tough but light, and all the hardware, from the buckles to the straps, is top-notch. It’s clear that a lot of thought went into the design.
The Skala 38 is a pocket-lover's dream.
You’ve got the main roll-top compartment, which can be secured either by clipping the ends together at the top or cinching them down along the sides.
There's a huge stretch mesh pocket on the back, perfect for stashing a wet rain jacket or layers you need to access quickly.
The side pockets are generous and they use a new elastic cord system to secure water bottles. I’d never seen anything like it before, and it works well—it’s super easy to cinch and release, and my bottles are secure.
On top of that, you get two pockets on the hip belt,
two on the shoulder straps,
and an additional zippered pocket on the outside that’s perfect for a wallet and keys. My only real gripe with the pockets is that the ones on the shoulder straps are too small to hold a softflask, which is a bit of a miss for on-the-go hydration.
Tech Specs
Weight:
Pack body: 14.5 oz / 411 g
Fast belt: 3.6 oz / 102 g
Sitlight pad: 2.3 oz / 64 g
Total: 20.4 oz / 578 g
Dimensions:
Height: 21” / 53.3 cm (to extension collar)
Width: 11” / 27.9 cm
Depth: 6” / 15.2 cm
Volume:
Pack Body: 30L
Total: 38L
Carry Capacity: Max: 25 lbs
For Comfort: 20 lbs
Comfort and Customisation
For a frameless pack, the Skala carries exceptionally well. The shoulder straps are wide, well-cushioned, and ergonomic. The chest strap is stretchy and includes an emergency whistle, which is a nice touch.
The pack comes with a removable foam back panel that doubles as a sit pad—a classic UL feature that I always appreciate. It carries comfortably up to about 20 lbs, which is more than enough for my typical ultralight setup.
One of the best things about this pack is how much you can customize it.
The hip belt,
side compression cords,
the side straps for the roll-top closure,
and even the elastic trekking pole cords are all removable. This allows you to strip the pack down to its absolute minimum weight or configure it exactly how you need it for a specific trip.
It is a one-size-fits-all pack, which can be a gamble, but it fits my 19-inch torso perfectly.
On the Trail
The Skala really shines for traditional ultralight backpacking. There’s more than enough volume for a well-organized multi-day kit. The various attachment points, like the ice axe and trekking pole loops, are well-placed and functional.
However, while you can certainly move fast with it, I wouldn't call it a dedicated fastpacking pack. The lack of easy-to-access bottle storage on the shoulder straps is a drawback for that activity. Check out its smaller sibling, the Grit 28L (RTR Review soon), which seems much better suited for that specific purpose as it holds soft flasks on its shoulder straps.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I’m incredibly impressed with the Gossamer Gear Skala 38. It’s a thoughtfully designed, comfortable, and highly customizable pack for any ultralight backpacker who has their gear list refined. It offers a ton of storage options and carries like a dream with a light load.
While it might not be the best choice for fastpackers, it has quickly become my go-to pack for just about everything else. If you're in the market for a durable, feature-rich, and versatile UL pack, the Skala 38 should be high on your list.
Available at Gossamer Gear
The products that are the basis of this test were provided to us free of charge by Gossamer Gear. The opinions presented are our own.
Tester Profile
Markus Zinkl: I’m 35 years old and live in a small village in Bavaria, Germany. I started hiking and backpacking 5-6 years ago. Coming from trail running and with light and fast in mind, I started hiking and fast packing with ultralight gear. Over the years I tried and tested a lot of gear, always in search of weight savings. Although still trying to stay out of the ultralight rabbit hole. I spend most of my days off from work on the trail, with at least one 2-3 week thru-hike. Among the more well known trails I have hiked over the last few years are the GR221, WHR (Walker’s Haute Route), TMB (Tour du Mont Blanc), TC (Tour du Cervin-Matterhorn) and Via Alpina Switzerland. As you probably notice by now, I’m at home in the mountains. So if I’m not running or thru-hiking a longer trail, I’m probably somewhere in the Alps checking out some shorter trails.
We welcome comments and questions in the comments section.
No comments:
Post a Comment